First week of 2016 declared ‘Good Governance Victory Week’

The government has declared the first week of January, 2016 as ‘Good Governance Victory Week’ to commemorate the victory of President Maithripala Sirisena at the 2015 Presidential Election.

Speaking to journalists at a media briefing today, Government Spokesman Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne stated that this decision was taken at a government party leaders’ meeting last night that was presided over by President Maithripala Sirisena. The party leaders were in agreement that such a move was necessary given the continued challenges being thrown down by those who oppose good governance policies.

He noted that the National flag would be hoisted and displayed throughout the country in the first week of January heralding the start of a series of programs to commemorate the ‘victory of good governance’ achieved earlier this year.

The minister however, stressed that commemorations on the January 8th election victory will be mostly low-key. “During the week, instead of holding lavish celebrations, each ministry has been instructed to launch a productive program that will benefit the country,” he explained.

“This is not to celebrate the forming of a new government. It is to celebrate the victory of good governance. It is to commemorate the securing of freedom, democracy and rights of citizens through our victory,” Senaratne claimed.

Earlier, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader MP Udaya Gammanpila called upon the public to hoist black flags in the first week of January to protest against the government.